Wedding Venues in Lorain County

As a wedding officiant, I get the opportunity to see many wonderful venues.  Listed below are wedding venues located in Lorain County.  I must admit I do have my favorites so if you would like my opinion, send me a message on facebook--Celebrations by Shari

Clifton Barn located in Avon 

Ahern's Banquet Center & Catering

Amber Oaks Restaurant - Lorain, OH

American Wilderness Event Center – Grafton, OH

Amherst Sandstone Village – Amherst, OH

Antler’s Grand Ballroom – Lorain, OH

Avon Isle--Avon, OH

Avon Oaks CC – Avon, OH

Breezewood Party Center - Sheffield Village, OH

Deluca’ s Place in the Park – Lorain, OH

Finwood Estate – Elyria, OH

Folger Home – Avon Lake, OH

The Fountain Bleu – Avon, OH

Gargus Catering and Banquet Center – Avon, OH

German’s Villa by the Lake - Vermillion, OH

Clifton Barn  – Avon, OH

The Lake House – Avon Lake, OH

Miller Nature Preserve - Avon, OH

Oberlin Inn – Oberlin, OH

Rose Cafe at Lakeview Beach - Lorain, OH

Ruby’s Banquet Hall - Grafton, OH

Spring Valley Golf and Athletic Club – Elyria, OH

Tom’s Country Place – Avon, OH

Vermilion on the Lake – Vermilion, OH

Perfect Non-Traditional Recessional Songs

Don't hesitate to choose a non-traditional classical piece or a contemporary wedding recessional song even if the rest of your wedding has been traditional. This moment marks the end of the ceremony and the start of your life together as husband and wife.  Your wedding recessional music should be festive, joyous and upbeat. The formality of the big day is now over and your choice of recessional song should reflect the way you feel at that moment.

1.  Celebrations by Kool and the Gang

2.  Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows

3.  Stolen by Dashboard Confessional

4.  Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland

5. Better Life by Keith Urban

6.  Good Times by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

7. 1, 2, 3, 4 by The Plain White T’s

8.  Just the Way you are by Bruno Mars

9.  I Do by Colbie Cailla

10.  All You Need Is Love by The Beatles

11.  When I’m 64 by The Beatles

12.  Signed, Sealed Delivered by Stevie Wonder

13.  Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship

Non-Traditional Processional Songs

There are many beautiful processional songs to select for your wedding, so I thought I would share some unique processional songs for weddings.  I love the idea of changing things up just a little bit, so my processional songs are unique ones and rather non-traditional.  I believe your guests will remember your choices for a long time and even suggest to other couples getting married.

1. Soul Mates—Josh Turner
2. Wanted—Hunter Hayes
3. God Gave Me You—Blake Shelton
4. Love—Matt White
5. A Thousand Years--Christina Perri
6. You Had Me At Hello—Kenny Chesney
7. A Moment Like This—Kelly Clarkson
8. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)—Natalie Cole
9. Then—Brad Paisley
10. Make You Feel My Love—Adele
11. Somewhere Over the Rainbow--Israel Kamakawiwoole
12. Going To the Chapel—Dixie Chicks
13. Isn’t She Lovely?—Stevie Wonder
14. Come Away With Me—Norah Jones
15. Perfect Two--Auburn

Untraditional Ceremony Readings

Thinking about including a reading or two in your wedding ceremony? There are many wonderful reasons to do this. Readings can express your values and your style. It is also a wonderful way to honor someone in your circle of family and friends, perhaps someone who is not in the bridal party but means a lot to you, or a dear aunt or uncle. It can be almost anyone at all. Your reading might come from your heritage, or reflect your interests and taste, via literature, poetry, and even pop culture. So maybe forsake that overused Corinthians 13:1-13 passage and try for something a little more meaningful to you personally. It may be fun to have one reading that is about love and a second that is simply humorous and less traditional. Check out this adorable Calvin and Hobbes reading that was done at a wedding I recently did.

Calvin: What's it like to fall in love?

Hobbes: Well... say the object of your affection walks by...

Calvin: Yeah?

Hobbes: First, your heart falls into your stomach and splashes your innards. All the moisture makes you sweat profusely. This condensation shorts the circuits to your brain and you get all woozy. When your brain burns out altogether, your mouth disengages and you babble like a cretin until she leaves.

Calvin: THAT'S LOVE?!?

Hobbes: Medically speaking.

Calvin: Heck, that happened to me once, but I figured it was cooties!!

Hand-fasting Ceremony

The term Handfasting is taken from Old Norse "hand-festa" meaning "to strike a bargain by joining hands". Handfasting is the tradition of lightly binding the hands of a couple together using a cord, rope, ribbons, a scarf, tartan or strips of fabric. It is meant to signify a couples coming together as "One". (or perhaps to keep the Groom from running away!) Whatever it's original intention, it has become a popular new tradition for today's couples seeking new and Spiritual ways to honor their love.

In the traditions of Celtic handfasting the couple's wrists are bound together using ribbons of thirteen different colours. Each color has it's own special meaning.  If you would like the officiant to incorporate this specialty ceremony into your wedding, there is beautiful wording that can be used with each colored ribbon placed over your hands.

Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility

Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, plenty

Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance

Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health

Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity

Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality

Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success

White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace

Gray: neutrality, canceling, balance

Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness

Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home

Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration

Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity

Lovelocks "Tree of Life"

Throughout the ages, lovers have looked for ways in which they can prove to the world that their love is the real thing - a commitment that will last for eternity. From poetry to a romantic serenade, from inscribing hearts on the school desk to carving initials on a tree.  More recently, the world has seen the rise of a new and profound method of professing love and commitment. Lovers engrave their names or message onto a padlock, lock it to a fence or railing and throw away the key. The symbolism of throwing away the key is all important, representing the commitment to love, a memory that can never be unlocked.

Now there is a way to add Lovelocks to your wedding ceremony.  Known as the "Tree of Life" the couple's parents and the couple engrave a love lock padlock and lock it on the "Tree of Life". This is one of the most unique ways to unite families together.

Dance Fever! Great Songs to Get Your Guests Dancing

A first dance with your new husband is a special and romantic time, but when you’re finished you want your guests to get out on the dance floor.  More importantly, you want them to stay on the dance floor. One bad song can send everyone to the bar, never to return again.  There are songs we all know you should never play at your wedding: The Chicken Dance, The Macarena, etc.  It’s also good to stay away from heavy metal, gangsta rap and, according to DJs, Dave Matthews. (You can’t really dance to it.) You’re looking for songs that appeal to everyone, from your college friends to your elderly Aunt June.  I have come up with 20 songs — both classic and modern — that will get everyone on the dance floor and keep them there.

1. “Celebration,” by Kool & The Gang
2. “Good Feeling,” by Flo Rida
3. “I Gotta Feeling,” by The Black Eyed Peas
4. “Brown Eyed Girl,” by Van Morrison
5. “Dynamite,” by Taio Cruz
6. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” by Queen
7. “Zoot Suit Riot,” By Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
8. “Let’s Groove,” by Earth, Wind & Fire
9. “What Makes You Beautiful,” by One Direction
10. “Freedom ’90,” by George Michael
11. “ABC,” by The Jackson 5
12. “Marry You,” by Bruno Mars
13. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” by Whitney Houston
14. “Bust A Move,” by Young MC
15. “Love Shack,” by The B-52′s
16. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” by Beyonce
17. “Pon De Replay,” by Rihanna
18. “Dancing On The Ceiling,” by Lionel Richie
19. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La Da,” by The Beatles
20. "Burning Love,” by Elvis Presley

Welcome Gift Bags for Your Guests

Hospitality bags are a thoughtful way to welcome your out of town wedding guests, who have traveled far from home to attend your wedding. Imagine your guests’ delight when they are greeted with a gift bag made especially for them!  I especially like the idea of filling the bag with items made in the city and/or state the wedding is being held in.  For example, since I live in Cleveland, Ohio, I might choose Malley's or Harry London's chocolates, Shearers chips, Bonnie Bell lipsmacker, Cleveland postcard that is pre-stamped, Euclid Beach popcorn balls, Smuckers jelly, Great Lakes beer or bottle of local vineyard wine, Root candle, Bartman's Ballpark mustard, chocolate Buckeye candy, nuts from King Nut, popcorn from Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop, Tony Paco's hot dog sauce or pickles, Libby glass shot glass, travel size tide, Cleveland magazine, Plain Dealer Newspaper or pitas from Aladdins Bakery.  Every city and state has its own specialties.  You will also want to include a map of the local area, list of favorite attractions and restaurants near the hotel, a wedding itinerary and contact information should anyone have questions and

Honey Unity Ceremony

The Honey Unity Ceremony is another creative and new unity ceremony to consider including in your wedding.  Originating in Puerto Rico, this new tradition involves the couple each dipping a finger into a jar of honey, tasting the sweetness and promising to be just as sweet every day of their marriage. Since bee pollen never spoils, it’s easy to renew these vows using the same jar from your wedding. Consider using locally sourced honey and giving mini bottles as favors.

Tree Planting Ceremony

I believe couples are often looking for a way to add something to their wedding that is special and unique. They do not want to just have the cookie-cutter ceremony.  I love the Tree Planting Ceremony so have added some wording the officiant could use if you would like to include in your day.

Officiant: Bride and Groom will now take part in a Tree Planting Ceremony, to symbolize the roots of their relationship, and thecontinuedgrowth of their love, as they become each other's family today.

Love is the essence of human experience and emotion. It is the root of all and everything we, as humans, do. Love richens our experience, and fills our lives with meaning. It gives us afirmbase from which to grow, to learn, and change.Let your relationship and your love for each other be like this tree you plant today. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it stand tall during the harsh winds and rains and storms, and come through unscathed. Like a tree, your marriage must be resilient. It must weather the challenges of daily life and the passage of time. And just like the tree you are planting, marriage requires constant nurturing and nourishment.

Bride and Groom, would you please water the sapling?

(Bride and Groom water the sapling.)

Officiant: Remember to nourish each other, with words of encouragement, trust, and love. This is needed on a daily basis so you each can grow and reach your fullest potential - just like this tree.The Bride and Groom will plant this tree in their backyard to always be a symbol of their love for each other.

Weddings, Events and More

Along with fourteen different vendors, I am now advertising at a kiosk at Beachwood Mall.  We are hoping that couples looking for a one stop-shop for their wedding or other special event will be attracted to check us out.  We have also created a discount coupon book that could save couples up to $1500 with the different vendors.  If you are looking for vendors for any upcoming event, please check out:

The Grand Finale, The Finishing Touch Linens, Wal-Tam's Catering, Flowers by Shelley, Jeff Jones Photography, Gary Perl's Rock-On DJ Service, Celebrations by Shari, Pixer Productions, Sun Valley Banquet & Party Center, Blush Custom Weddings, Video-Memory Productions, Cyndi's Photographix, Night Moves Limousine and Coach, The Invitation Studio, and Papparazzi Photobooths.

Simple Solution!

As an officiant I quickly realized that during the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom most often have their backs towards their guests. It simply appeared strange to me. When guests are taking pictures, they want to see the loving faces of a bride and groom and not just the face of the officiant. I decided that with the couples I married it made more sense for them to be facing each other during the ceremony.  I even encourage couples to look each other in the eyes and hold hands.  This is especially helpful if either the bride or groom happens to be an emotional or nervous person because they can focus on each other and me. While I cannot look at you the entire time, as I am reading your ceremony and all ceremonies are different, I am looking up and down throughout the ceremony. The point, however, is that if the three of us only focus on each other, you will most likely stay calmer!  In very small weddings, I have learned to step out from the couple with my back to the guests.  This way, the bride and groom are facing their guests and everyone can focus on them.

The Results Are In . . . And We Won!

Celebrations by Shari was just named #1 Officiant on the 2013 Cleveland Hot List.  I would like to thank each and every person who voted for us.  Nearly two years ago I chose to retire after thirty years of teaching.  I left Rocky River High School with a heavy heart and many concerns I had made a wrong decision.  This new career as a wedding officient has been a reminder that there is someone greater than me guiding my life.  I am truly blessed to have found a new career that equally fills my life with love and joy. I thank the nearly 180 couples I have married since I started this venture a year and a half ago, my daughters who are now also both ordained and licensed and my husband who encourages me in everything I do.

25 Questions to Ask a Wedding Officiant

How long have you been a ceremony officiant?

How many weddings have you performed?

Are you available on our wedding date?

Have you ever officiated at our venue before? What did you think of the venue?

Will you marry couples of different faiths?

Will your wear a mic if the videographer requires one to capture the ceremony?

Do you require any pre-marital or religious class requirements?

Will you marry couples if one or both have been divorced?

Do you allow for couples to personalize the ceremony by writting their own wedding vows?

Do you allow flash photography during the ceremony?

Do you have any restrictions as to our attire, or our bridal party's attire?

Do you provide any prayers or meal blessings during the wedding day?

Do you allow any non-religious readings or music?

Do they have a “back-up” in case of extreme illness or emergency?

What is your service fee?

What does your fee include?

What attire do you wear while performing a ceremony?

Do you charge for travel to our venue?

What are you time restrictions?

Do you need a copy of our marriage certificate before the ceremony?

If so, will you be mailing it to the state after the ceremony if performed?

Can you provide any sample wording for your ceremony?

How far in advance should we book your services?

What is your cancellation policy?

Aisle Runner--Yes or No???

My thought on whether or not to use an aisle runner is:  check the "no" box for the aisle runner! Originally aisle runners were used to cover up mud and dirt brought in by guests thus protecting the wedding dress. I believe this is a tradition that simply needs to go for many reasons.  The first, and most important reason being they are dangerous!  I know you are thinking how can a simple plastic/cloth aisle runner be dangerous?  It's very simple--heels.  The heels on your shoes and shoes of your guests will poke holes in the runner.  The runner could then stay attached to the heel causing either you or a guest to fall.  They also rarely, if ever, really stay in place regardless of how much you tape them down.  Yes, there is double sided tape that has a peel on it.  Yet, it never holds.  It always comes up when the groomsmen start to pull the runner down the aisle. If there is carpet in the aisle, the runner always moves.  The bride, after all the bridal party has walked down the aisle, will notice the runner is horribly out of shape, wrinkled and pulled.  The cord on the aisle runner is always too short. The groomsmen chosen to unroll the aisle runner always have trouble pulling it smoothly down the aisle.  One side or the other will inevitably get stuck with the cord. Once down the aisle, the runner is never straight.  Placed over carpeting, the aisle runner never stays in place. Definitely don't use an aisle runner if your ceremony is being held outdoors.  If you really insist on having something, try lots of flower pedals--roses, carnations.  You can either create a carpet of flower pedals or use the pedals down both sides of the aisle.  It will look incredible and everyone will be safe.

Wedding Superstitions

There was a time in history when the betrothed couple wasn’t allowed to see each other before the wedding. The wedding symbolized a business deal between two families and most fathers hoped his daughter would marry a man from a rich, land-owning family.  Some fathers feared that if the groom met the bride before the wedding and thought she wasn’t attractive, he’d call off the wedding, casting shame onto the bride and her family. Therefore, it became tradition that the bride and groom were only allowed to meet at the wedding ceremony so that the groom did not have the opportunity to change his mind. Originally the purpose of the veil the bride wore was also to keep the groom from finding out what the bride looked like until the last possible minute, when it was too late to back out of the transaction.

Although arranged marriages are no longer common, most brides still don’t want their groom to see them in their wedding dress before the ceremony. Many believe it makes the day more exciting and memorable. Some couples, however, feel they’ll be more relaxed if they see each other for just a few minutes before the ceremony. Some are now even choosing to have their formal pictures pre-ceremony when everyone is freshly done-up. It also allows the couple to join their guests for the cocktail hour rather than having to leave for picture taking. It’s completely up to you and your groom. Talk about it before the big day arrives and find out what makes the most sense for you.

Great idea for placecards

I participated in a bridal show at Holy Spirit this past weekend.  I met a number of wonderful and creative vendors so will share a few of them over the next few days.  The first one I would like to tell you about  is a company call Shaffer and Smigel Cookies.  They make sugar cookies that are not only delicious but a creative favor for many special occasions.  The cookie is a large sugar cookie that has an edible image placed on top--your image or one of their vintage selections.  Each cookie sells for $3.50.  Although they make them for all types of special occasions, I love the idea of using them as a placecard or a favor to thank your guests.  If interested in knowing more, contact Dawn or Joan at cookieladies@hotmail.com

Etsy--Looking for new and creative wedding ideas?

Have you discovered Etsy yet?  It's amazing online marketplace where some of the most creative people in the world sell handmade or vintage items.  It has some of the most exciting and originial wedding ideas available to brides.  I recommend signing up for their weekly wedding emails and reading the Etsy Wedding Blog.  I love entering a wedding and being able to recognize the many items they have included that I now came right from the designers at Etsy.  Check out this creative gift for the bride to give to her soon to be husband.  Designed by White Truffle.

Wedding Color Trends for 2013

As a bride, choosing your wedding colors can be a stressful task. It isn't easy selecting a color that everyone in your bridal party will be happy with.  It is often helpful to research the colors that will be trending in the near future as a starting point for your entire wedding design, and build your tone, mood and look from there. 2013 wedding color trends have arrived and are listed here for your consideration--green (especially mint green), blue, purple, pink and red.  One of the fastest growing color trends this year in weddings is gold. For a while, gold had become passé as platinum gained in popularity and silver made a resurgence. However, gold is back, and here to stay. 

Emphasis on fun for all!

In 2013, couples will be putting an even bigger emphasis on making sure that everyone leave the reception saying "That was fun!"  That means, lots of creative food stations (i.e. mashed potato bars), snack stations (i.e. DIY Smores, popcorn) and late night goodies (i.e. doughnuts and coffee). Carnival foods such as snow cones, cotton candy and candy apples will be ever-popular for summer weddings, as will food trucks, ice cream trucks pizze trucks, french fry trucks and taco trucks. Along with emphasising the fun factor with food, many couples will make sure the reception has interactive games such as corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoes.  Entertainment will also become more fun for all, with couples hiring everything from live event artists, on-site poets, dance instructors, magicians and even tarot card readers. To make the fun last beyond the reception, couples will host post-wedding after parties.  The newly married couple will hire a bus or van to take guests to a local night club after the reception.  Oh, yes--in 2013 weddings will put the emphasis on fun for all!